Bulk Density

January 6, 2011

Bulk density can be measured by two different methods:

Loose fill Bulk Density
The material of interest is placed into a measuring cylinder up to a specified volume. This is done without jarring and without allowing the material to settle, thus keeping all air contained within the material. The mass of the specified volume is then measured and the ratio of mass to volume determines the loose fill bulk density.

Compacted Bulk Density
The material of interest is placed into a measuring cylinder up to a specified volume. Once the cylinder has been filled to the required volume it is tapped for a specified length of time. This tapping removes any air and empty space within the material. The mass of the specified tapped volume is then measured and the ratio of mass to volume determines the compacted bulk density, which will then be higher than the loose fill bulk density.